Why you can't post a "Free to a good home" dog advert with us

Freeads does not allow puppies or dogs to be advertised as “free to a good home”.

A minimum £50 rehoming fee is the smallest amount acceptable on a dog or puppy ad. If an ad says a dog is free, we may edit or remove the wording and apply the minimum fee or reject the advert.

Why we have this rule

Giving a dog away for free can increase the risk of:

• Impulsive enquiries from people who have not considered the long-term commitment.
• A dog being passed between several homes.
• People responding without being able to afford food, veterinary care and insurance.
• Dishonest enquiries from people who hide their real intentions.
• Dogs being acquired for irresponsible breeding or resale.
• Welfare checks being overlooked because the advertiser feels pressured to rehome quickly.

A rehoming fee cannot guarantee a safe home, but it can discourage casual enquiries and encourage people to take the decision more seriously.

The fee is only one safeguard

Charging £50 does not replace proper checks. Before agreeing to a new home:

• Speak to the prospective owner and ask about their experience with dogs.
• Check who lives in the home, including children and other pets.
• Ask about working hours and how long the dog would be left alone.
• Make sure the home and garden are suitable for the dog’s size and needs.
• Meet the prospective owner in person.
• Explain the dog’s health, behaviour, routine and any additional needs honestly.
• Provide vaccination, veterinary and microchip information.
• Arrange for the microchip details to be transferred correctly.
• Do not feel pressured to complete the rehoming quickly.
• Do not hand over a dog if anything feels wrong.

Be honest about the reason for rehoming

Your ad should clearly explain:

• Why the dog needs a new home.
• The dog’s age, breed and temperament.
• Any medical conditions or medication.
• Any behavioural concerns.
• Whether the dog can live with children, dogs, cats or other animals.
• The type of home the dog needs.

Being open helps people decide whether they can genuinely provide the right home.

Consider a rescue organisation

If you cannot properly assess prospective homes, or your dog has medical or behavioural needs, contact a reputable rescue organisation.

A rescue may be able to:

• Assess the dog.
• Match them with a suitable home.
• Carry out home checks.
• Provide behavioural or veterinary support.
• Offer advice while the dog remains with you.

Reporting a free dog ad

Our team manually reviews Puppies & Dogs ads, but advertisers may occasionally try to avoid the minimum fee through their description.

If you see an ad offering a dog for free:

• Use the report option on the ad.
• Explain where the free offer appears.
• Do not repeatedly contact or confront the advertiser.
• Allow our support team time to review it.

We will check the ad and take appropriate action.

Stay safe

The right home matters more than rehoming quickly. Take your time and ask questions.

Every dog deserves a safe, suitable and permanent home.